On Wednesday afternoon, Erik Jensen, the chairman of the Finance and Tax Committee, convened a consultation regarding the proposal for a new job portal. What began as a routine discussion quickly spiraled into a scandal, prompting the resignation of former Naalakkersuisut minister Bentiaraq Ottosen. The unfolding drama highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the government’s initiative to develop a new job portal, slated for launch on January 1, 2026.
Masaana Egede, managing director of the media house Sermitsiaq, has raised urgent concerns, describing the job portal as a potential threat to his organization’s financial viability. As he explained to KNR, “Sermitsiaq’s job portal is our most crucial source of income, and if this new portal comes to fruition, it could have dire implications for us.”
Egede didn’t mince words, warning of severe ramifications for the newsroom: “I would actually go so far as to say that we will have to fire a lot of journalists if this job portal comes in and competes with us on the private market.”
This potential downsizing could spell disaster for Greenland’s democratic landscape, according to Ralf Andersson, an associate professor at the journalism department of Ilisimatusarfik in Odense. He argues, “The national media—specifically KNR and Sermitsiaq—play an absolutely vital role in Greenlandic society. Now, more than ever, there’s a need for independent media that can engage in critical and nuanced journalism.”
Andersson reflects on the precarious state of the media landscape in Greenland, where only two major outlets exist, both facing challenges. “If Sermitsiaq is forced to scale back or even close its doors, the consequences would be monumental. We are talking about a serious democratic problem here,” he emphasizes.
Echoing these sentiments, Egede highlights the critical importance of journalism, especially in a year marked by external pressures, from U.S. encroachment to influence campaigns during the elections. “In light of the current circumstances, the demand for high-quality journalism has never been greater,” he notes. “It would truly weaken our ability to serve the public if we have to make cuts.”
Andersson adds that it is paramount for politicians to recognize the significance of preserving robust media outlets. “We are addressing fundamental elements of a democratic society, where a free press performs a crucial role. I doubt any elected official would disagree with that.”
The implications of reducing media capacity are profound, he warns, stating, “If one of our media outlets suffers, it directly impacts the public’s ability to access information necessary for informed decision-making.”
In a response to these mounting concerns, Egede recently attended a meeting at the self-government tower, where he reported that politicians had acknowledged his worries about the future of Sermitsiaq. He remains hopeful for a constructive dialogue with the government and other job portal providers, stating, “I truly hope that before the project moves forward, they come to their senses and reconsider.”
Yet, this raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. “You get advertising revenue from your own job portal. Isn’t it a bit disingenuous to speak of democratic integrity while pursuing your own financial interests?” Egede challenges.
With a sense of urgency, he closes by reminding us, “Many individuals are already engaged in job portals and recruitment on the private market. This initiative exemplifies how government actions can disrupt a functioning economy.”
KNR has reached out to Jens-Frederik Nielsen, chairman of Naalakkersuisut and the individual now overseeing the new job portal initiative, seeking a response to Egede’s concerns. A reply to the criticism is expected on Monday.